Romana Drew

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I am a retired park ranger. I currently run the wildlife care center, which I started many years ago. It has grown quite large. We have a two-acre facility with six employees and lots of volunteers. We care for injured and orphaned native California wild animals so they can be released back into their natural environment—everything from bats to bobcats, hummingbirds to eagles, and a few snakes and frogs thrown in.

When and why did you start writing books?

There are a lot of stories running around in my head. I thought others might enjoy them.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I would love to say writing is my career, but truth be told. It is something I love, but I doubt that it will ever pay the bills.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

My two favorite characters are Eshley from The Prince of Kaloria and Robin from Marauders of Sazile. Eshley is intelligent and likes literature. He is an expert in physical combat and weapons. He is not aggressive but will stand his ground. And he never gives up. He is also a prince, destined to be a great king who brings peace to his world. That makes him Indiana Jones and Arthur Pendragon combined. The only thing that keeps him from being an unbelievable superhero is his limited vision. Robin goes on a fantastic adventure with the first aliens to visit Earth. She is willing to try anything and stands up to some powerful characters. She is full of wit and Chutzpah.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

The Hidden was quite hard to write. In The League of Free Cadorie, Lannes is kidnapped by aliens invading his world. He disappears for seven years. His return drives the conclusion of that book. Some of the timing and events couldn't be changed because they were part of the League of Free Cadorie. Working around those events to fill up seven years with things a reader would want to read was quite a challenge. It took many tries and a lot of critique partners to get it right.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My two favorite authors are Anne McCaffrey and Piers Anthony. I like books with interesting characters and well-crafted stories.

What book are you reading right now?

I am usually reading a book, but by the time anyone read this, I will be on a different book.

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I don't know where inspiration comes from. I usually know where a book starts and how it will end, but once I begin, I let the characters take me on their adventures.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Spare time? What is that?

Do you have any new books in the works?

Yes, I have a book in the works, which I plan to finish later this year.